CUPE Ontario celebrates Peterborough Pride

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 18, 2014) - Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario are once again looking forward to celebrating Peterborough Pride. Together with CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick, members from across the region will be participating in Sunday's parade.

"We are proud of our long history of leadership in the labour movement on LGBTQ issues. Together with community activists, we have, for years, been at the forefront of the fight to make changes for equality that benefit us all," said Rennick, who worked in long-term care in Peterborough prior to being elected CUPE Ontario's youngest-ever secretary-treasurer.

CUPE pioneered the use of collective bargaining to advance equality and anti-harassment policies in the workplace. Members voted at a 1985 convention that their union's policy would be to bargain such language into contracts.

In Ontario, CUPE was part of the fight for equal marriage and full spousal recognition. It brought forward the Rosenberg case, which led the Supreme Court to direct the federal government to re-write the definition of spouse in the Income Tax Act to recognize same-sex spouses.

CUPE Ontario also proudly supported member Martine Stonehouse in her landmark human rights case against the Ministry of Health, when it stopped coverage for gender re-assignment surgery. This important challenge ultimately led to the re-listing of this important health-care support.

"We must keep fighting for equality every day, and on October 27, let's vote for city councillors and school board trustees who will create safe, inclusive and vibrant communities," said Rennick.

WHO: CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick and members from across Peterborough area

WHAT: Peterborough Pride Parade

WHEN: Saturday, September 20 – parade starts at 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Parade starts at Peterborough City Hall, 500 George Street North

CUPE is Ontario's community union, with members providing the quality public services we all rely on, in every part of the province, every day. CUPE Ontario members are proud to work in social services, health care, municipalities, school boards and universities.

Contact Information

For more information and to arrange interviews,please contact:Craig SaundersCUPE Communications416-576-7316csaunders@cupe.on.ca